# Scolia hirta The Scolia hirta is a special type of wasp that loves to buzz around flowers. These wasps are important because they help flowers grow by spreading pollen. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Scolia hirta](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Scoliidae_-_Scolia_hirta-1.JPG&width=800) Photo: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scoliidae_-_Scolia_hirta-1.JPG) ## Appearance The Scolia hirta is a robust, dark-bodied wasp covered in fine, dense hairs, giving it a velvety appearance. It typically has two prominent, bright yellow or orange spots on its mostly black abdomen, which contrast sharply with its smoky, dark wings. This distinct patterning helps it stand out from other wasps. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Hymenoptera - **Family:** Scoliidae - **Genus:** Scolia ## Interesting facts - Adult wasps are surprisingly gentle and prefer to fly away than sting! - Female Scolia hirta lays her eggs \*inside\* living beetle grubs deep underground. - These fuzzy wasps are amazing pollinators, helping many wild flowers produce seeds. - Unlike social bees, this wasp lives alone and raises its young without a colony. ## Special abilities - **Digging Dynamo:** Scolia hirta has strong digging legs that allow them to burrow into soil, helping them reach the buried beetle larvae hosts. - **Nectar Nurturer:** Scolia hirta can sip nectar from flowers using its specialized mouthparts, which helps them get energy for flight and egg-laying. - **Stinger Shield:** Scolia hirta has a potent stinger, which helps them defend themselves from threats, though they are usually not aggressive. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-50 mm - **Size:** 10-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-60 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Adult Scolia hirta sips nectar, while its larvae feast on beetle grubs found underground. - **Age differences:** Larvae consume beetle grubs, while adults feed on flower nectar. - **Primary Foods:** Flower nectar, Rose chafer larvae, Rhinoceros beetle larvae, Other scarab beetle grubs - **Foraging Method:** Pursuit ## Ecological connections - **Parasitizes:** [Rose Chafer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rose-chafer) (*Cetonia aurata*) — Its larvae develop inside these beetle grubs. - **Parasitizes:** [European Rhinoceros Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-rhinoceros-beetle) (*Oryctes nasicornis*) — Female wasps lay eggs on their grubs. - **Pollinates:** [Field Eryngo](https://www.snappit.app/explore/field-eryngo) (*Eryngium campestre*) — Adults visit flowers for nectar, aiding plant reproduction. - **Eaten by:** [European Bee-eater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-bee-eater) (*Merops apiaster*) — This bird preys on various flying insects, including wasps. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Stay calm if you see a wasp, and don't swat at it. They usually won't bother you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Scolia hirta? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Scolia hirta's wingspan? 20-50 mm ### How big is Scolia hirta? 10-25 mm ### How long does Scolia hirta live? 30-60 days ### What does Scolia hirta eat? Adult Scolia hirta sips nectar, while its larvae feast on beetle grubs found underground. ### Where is Scolia hirta usually found? Grasslands ### How does Scolia hirta hunt? Pursuit ### How many legs does Scolia hirta have? 6 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Scolia hirta: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scolia-hirta)